The Oath of Rats

Being the lumbering asshole he is, Stoler marches straight towards us in his full rosy armour. Calmly, he asks Toross, "Are you aware of the heretic's crimes councilor? I advise against trusting anything he says."

Toross turns to face Stoler directly, the ladies at his side orbiting around him and bowing like they did when I approached him. "The chosen of Sol? An honour."
He waves his hand as though presenting me. "The ranger here, was simply seeking advice on how to keep his brother from becoming a heretic."

The eyes under Stoler's blindfold shift to glare at me. Clearly skeptical, he asks, "Where does your family live heretic?"

I can feel my heart beat faster. Trying to keep myself calm with deep breaths, I ask, "If I may, for what purpose?"
That came out more antagonistic than I intend. It's a good thing he can't see my grip tightening on my spear.

His brow furrows and he answers with a voice that tells me he's ready to cut me down. "Someone must deliver the councilor's advice, yes?"

Stoler is a terrible liar and an open book. I know he means no harm, but I can't help but plead, "They are innocent chosen. They know nothing of my crimes."

"When did I say I was going to arrest them? Your reluctance is suspicious."

"Forgive me chosen, my body can not forget the lashes so easily. Though I know you mean no harm, the desire to protect them from you corrupts my words. For that, I apologize."

He relaxes, but keeps a degree of intensity and antagonism as he says, "I see. Then if it placates you, I promise on the glory of Sol that I mean only to confirm their existence. As your interrogator, I have great difficulty believing anything you say."

I stare at him confused. "You would swear on your god's glory? Why would you go so far?"

"To show you I'm serious. Summer told me you were attempting to lessen the animosity between us. I intend to do the same."

I'm silent for a moment. Why? What does it matter to him? Maybe he's trying to get on Aroura's good side or just improve relations with the royal family. I'm sure that's it. "Very well chosen. I don't understand why you'd go to such lengths for a heretic, but I'm not in any position to question you."
I don't want to give up the location of my family, but it's not as though they're hiding and if he decided to look, he would find them regardless of how hard I struggle. Might as well relinquish their location now while he's not suspicious of them.

After I've finished listing the directions, Toross suggests, "Shall I have someone accompany you chosen? We want to ensure his brother ends up on the correct side of your blade, yes?"

Stoler laughs. "Yes, we do. Thank you councilor."

"Anything for the chosen of Sol. Now that that's settled. I believe you had something to tell me?"

Not with fucking Stoler here, I don't! I glace from Toross to Stoler over and over and slightly shake my head, subtle enough that Stoler can't notice the movement. I say, "Did I? What were we talking about before the chosen arrived?"
Toross' face contorts, showing he's confused. I mouth, 'He will kill me.'

Reluctantly and suspicious, Toross says, "I believe it was... The benefits of meritocracy."

I mouth 'Thank you' and dip my head to him. "Right. I wanted to ask how the guild keeps the peace between the different councilors."

If I can't turn him against Nick, I can at least find out how to stop the guild's inner conflict. I notice a confused glance from Stoler, but he remains silent. He should forget about the slight inconsistency before long since my question is specific enough to be sincere. Toross begins, "Our peace is shaky at the moment, however it is often done through-"

"Chosen of Sol!"
Fuuuck, why is Nick here? Wine in hand, the human toad jovially interrupts Toross. "I see you've become acquainted with my faviourite ashskin!"
Nick laughs as though remembering a hilarious story, causing the fat on his neck to ripple with each chuckle. "If I could hire him as my personal jester, I absolutely would! But considering Joan's reaction, that might be a dangerous undertaking! Ha ha!"

Naturally, both Stoler and Toross had questions. They both turn to me for answers, but Stoler speaks first. "What was Joan's reaction? To what?"

"Did you not hear? The ashskin's stories seduced her! Ha ha, you should've seen his face after she kissed him!"

Nick arrogantly takes hold of our conversation, keeping Stoler and Toross hostage because they're too polite to tell Nick to shut the fuck up. What is Nick doing here anyway? Was he trying to save me? No, he's too much of a bastard for anything like that, even if he does view me as his property. More likely he's trying to keep me from spilling any secrets even though Stoler was already accomplishing that.

Unlike Stoler however, he's forcing me to act fast. With just Stoler around, Toross wouldn't be compelled to leave. But now Toross is clearly annoyed and itching to abandon this conversation. The only reason he hasn't left yet is likely because it would seem rude or something stupid like that.
There's no way I can speak in code to warn Toross and no chance I could just outwardly state Nick is looking to start a war. But maybe... Toross said he's from Carnoin, which I'm fairly sure is an ancient elven city. He likely knows Lelthalen. I only know a little from what my father taught me, but maybe I can write a short message to warn him... But on what? My shield maybe? And I certainly can't use my spear, that would be far to conspicuous. I could sneak a fork or knife from the feast table.

Right, I'll go with that. I excuse myself with the ploy that I'm simply looking for water and will be back. It is fortunate we were standing relatively close to the feast table.
As I approach, one of the servers stops me. "The food is for the guests only ashskin."

For fuck's sake. I don't let my irritation show as I come up with another lie. "I am simply fetching utensils for Lord Épicier."

The old woman raises an eyebrow and looks behind me at Nick, then sighs. "Very well. Wash your filthy hands first."

This is a waste of my time... As I go through the lengthy process of letting the servers wash my hands, I insist that this is unnecessary for simply fetching a fork and knife. The old hag goes on about how if a lord had to touch the same utensils as an ashskin, I would at least be clean. What a bitch.

The hag, after inspecting my hands for herself, releases the utensils and ushers me off. I speed back to Toross before he takes his leave. As I return I say, "Leaving us so soon councilor?"

Toross mostly turned around by now, turns back to face me. "Unfortunately, yes. The call of business is never far from leisure."

I need you to stay damn it! In Lelthalen I say, "A moment. I write dire word."

His annoyance poisons his words as he says, "Why not say it now?"

I would if I knew the words!

Stoler steps between us. "What was that?"

It wasn't ideal, but Toross is staying a moment longer. My message'll have to be short and grammatically inaccurate, but that's all I can afford. How the fuck am I supposed to write 'Épicier' in Lelthalen? As I begin carving, I explain, "That was a traditional elven wish of good luck."

Nick laughs. "It didn't sound like it."

Toross slowly explains, "His... Pronunciation was off. I thought he said something else."
Clunky and awkward, but it works.

Stoler warns, "Don't speak a language I don't understand. I will not allow words I can not scrutinize to leave your mouth."

"As you command chosen. I simply thought it would be nice to use my native language with someone who understands. It shan't happen again."

Nick begins by asking Toross about where he learned Lelthalen but swiftly chatters over him after getting half an answer. Toross taps impatiently and glares at both Nick and I. Just a little longer.
As soon as I'm finished I expose the inside of my shield, hiding my message from both Stoler and Nick, then place my spear on my shield arm acting like I'm standing like this just to hold the spear while I bow proper. "I should return to my liege. It is improper to leave her be for so long. Thank you again councilor for your advice."
I tap my thumb on the shield to ensure he looks at it. He is initially confused by the message, but eventually nods slowly acting like he understands. To be fair, the message 'Meal man cannibalizes artists,' isn't extraordinarily clear. I used the version of 'cannibalizes' that is only done to opponents from a war, so with a bit of thought he should realize what I'm trying to say.

Toross responds slowly. "Does our liege have scouting equipment for her rangers?"

Where is he going with this? "I figured we would use the Duke's ranger's equipment."

"The Eclipse rangers are primarily demi-human yes? The duke's men would not have gear sized for you. I should like to speak with our liege and offer her an accord."

"I can introduce you, if you desire."

He nods and motions for me to lead the way. Nick suggests to Stoler that they should tag along. Stoler agrees. Toross better know what he's doing. I'm certain he won't betray me, but I can't be sure what he's planning here. As I make my way back through the party, the same greedy fucks who ignored and tolerated my presence before, now move and greet me since I now have many important people in tow. It amuses me to see them all react to my presence. I'll savour this feeling since I'm sure I won't feel it for some time.

Aroura prepares a slight preamble as I approach, a pleasant smile attached to her face paint. "My my, when you requested permission to mingle, I did not expect you would return with so many valued guests! Lord Épicier. Chosen of Sol. I believe we've not had the pleasure."

Toross and his carrahs bow. "Toross of Carnoin my liege. Councilor of the artisan's guild. Your ranger informed me your soldiers would not be properly equipped for their excursion into the Spires."

"They are prisoners without coin, true. My father's rangers will supply them however."

"Their weapons of course. But surely the duke's armoury would not stock cloaks sized for demi-humans. I am offering to grant your rangers cloaks that will provide them the stealth necessary to ensure they remain hidden and unharmed."

"How generous of you. What would you say is an adequate compensation for such a gift."

"Allow me to join your rangers on their expedition."

What? Toross' answer caught everyone off guard. I was the first to ask. "You're not looking to visit your dear grandmother in the Spires are you? Why would you want to join us?"

Amused by my joke, he focuses his attention on me, but keeps his body aimed at Aroura. "Not quite ranger. This is my city. I'd be remiss if I'd sat on my haunches while others defended it for me."
He's lying, I'm sure of it. No noble would be altruistic enough to risk his life for a city he has only loose ties to. Toross is a master weaver and competent diplomat, he could take his skills anywhere. Toross turns back to Aroura. "I am an accomplished archer my liege, I assure you my skills will be a boon to your rangers."

Aroura holds up a hand. "Allow me a moment of deliberation. I harbour no doubts of your skills councilor, however my rangers have their reputation to consider. It would not do to volunteer themselves then turn back on their commitment by accepting help from an independent taxpayer."

"If that is all there is consider, then I will volunteer myself to become an Eclipse ranger. We may discuss the terms of my enlistment at length another time."

"You would go so far?"
She turns to me, her eyes requesting help. What is she trying to say? Does she want me to turn him away or make the decision?

Before I have a chance to speak, Nick croaks over me. "It's a poor idea I say. What if he dies on your scouting trip? If you'd accept advice from me, your highness it'd be best to refuse his offer."

Why are you trying to oppose him Nick? I bow and say, "If I may, my liege. Your rangers currently lack any consistent method for eliminating distant foes. I can see many opportunities where an archer would benefit us greatly during our expedition."
I can feel Nick's glare on my back. I'll have to convince him I'm doing this specifically for him.

Naz offers his agreement, pushing her over the ledge. She relents and says, "It would seem my rangers would be glad to have you councilor. I'd be a cruel woman indeed to deny their request."

Toross grins. "Glad to see I'll be in good hands. Is there an official ceremony?"

"Indeed. Chosen would you fetch the branding iron?"

Toross' grin disappears like it just got smacked away. "The... Branding iron?"

"Of course! It is the mark of my ranger."
He struggles for a response before Aroura's crazed smile spills into a laugh. "A jest! I jest councilor!"

He allows himself a few nervous laughs while muttering "Oh. Good."

Aroura quickly composes herself and says, "There is not yet an official ceremony. These four committed themselves to me at my whim and the fifth has long since served me."
She raises a hand as though offering a gift. "Shall we conduct our own ceremony for the benefit of publicity? I've no doubt your fellow councilors will seethe at their neglected opportunity. Your standing on the council shall be all the stronger for it."

"You are very perceptive my liege. I shall be glad to pledge myself to your service in the eyes of my peers."
He's after standing in the council? For what purpose? And how did Aroura see through him so thoroughly? I should ask her about that later.

She smiles and looks to the ceiling for a moment in contemplation. "Will you participate with us Chosen?"
Stoler agrees. Aroura continues, "Very good! Fetch Summer for me, would you? I'm inclined to the presence of both chosen for this."
She explains her basic plan to us, essentially explaining the knighting process for the Duke, but with her own twist on it.

Stoler returns with Summer and their part in the ceremony is explained. Summer, eager to fulfill her friend's request, accepts and encourages us to set off immediately. As we set off, Nick clenches my shoulder, holding me back for a moment. "You dare defy me ashskin?"

I whisper, "This is to benefit you, my lord. Now I have somewhat consistent access to guild information."

His grip tightens. "I know how treacherous you are, so let me paint a scene for you. Ren just came crawling back, begging for a job. If I so much as catch a whiff of betrayal, or the temple, or the guild make a move against me, I will parade his corpse around New Town. Do I make myself clear?"

Not if I stab you right here, right now you fat fuck. I take a single deliberate breath as I respond, "Then you should know Caresson is attempting to sick temple investigators on you. I have done what I can to convince him the guild is behind your crimes, but you are getting sloppy. Your trail is warm, my lord."

He growls, "Then kill him. If he is not dead by the end of your next patrol..."

What? "Assassination is not so easy-"

"I will set all the pieces. You will execute."

Slowly. I nod. "Yes. My lord."

He shoves me away, an innocent and congratulatory smile on his face. I take a few steps after Aroura and find Stoler waiting for me. With arms crossed, he asks, "Care to explain what was so important?"

"Lord Épicier was congratulating me on a new companion."
Stoler raises a single eyebrow. He'll never believe a reasonable answer so acting slightly embarrassed I explain further. "And... That Joan is his favorite carrah."

Stoler shakes his head. "I don't understand what she sees in you."

I shrug and move towards the centre of the party. "Maybe nothing and that's exactly why she's after me."

He doesn't respond. Instead escorting me towards Aroura. Her smile is wide as we approach so I return the smile. I slip into place behind her, shield and spear resting in my hands. Aroura glances around ensuring everything is in place. "Let us begin. Chosen, if you would."

Stoler and Summer gather magic in their hands and raise them towards the ceiling, illuminating the entire room in an immaculate light. Every guest turns to see the source of the light, conversations ending in respect. Aroura begins, projecting her voice so that all ears will ring with her words. "Valour. Loyalty. Piety. The simple values all in our great city aspire to hold and exemplify. Today, none can claim to portray these virtues as elegantly as Toross of Carnoin."
Caresson is a good man... He doesn't deserve death...

"Hearing vile beastmen threaten his city, his peers, and Sol's will, Toross could not sit idly. With fire in his eyes and valour in his heart, he approached me. Just moments ago, he offered to join my rangers on their expedition to scourge the beastmen from our lands."
He and his team suffer daily by those who are supposed to be his comrades...

"I admit, I refused him for sake of publicity. Hearing my rejection did naught to deter his loyalty. He cut straight to the heart of my issue and offered himself to my service as an Eclipse ranger."
A templar through and through, but a friend none the less...

"I thought him a fool! Surely he did not know the duties of an Eclipse ranger, hunting heretics wherever they might be found, serving Sol and Solaris no matter the environment. Be it our beloved streets or the dreaded Spires! His piety won over my heart and proved me wrong as he proudly declared to serve Sol through me."
He's never waivered in his trust of me...

Aroura turns and receives a sword from Summer's hand. She holds it daintily, displaying an elegance worthy of nobility. "Kneel Toross of Carnoin. Swear the oath of my the eclipse."
Toross obeys, falling to his knee in front of the princess of Solaris. "Swear to uphold the values all of Solaris agrees upon."
Toross begins, repeating his own version of the oath.
I swear to you Caresson. To you Nickolas Épicier...

Satisfied with Toross' promise Aroura continues. "That your valour will win out despite what may befall our great city."
No matter the depths I must plunge...

"That your loyalty shall never fade. To me or Sol."
I will never forget the wrongs done, the lives I'm forced to take...

"Your piety will guide your hand as you seek out all foes to Sol."
I will never relent in my hunt for your blood, your suffering, your life...

"You will use these virtues to pursue the light, hunt the darkness, and forever prevent the eclipse!"
You will never escape my shadow...

Toross' vow completed, Aroura raises her sword, and gently lands the blade on his shoulder. Summer and Stoler use their magic to emblaze her sword in light. "Then before the eyes of the chosen of Sol, I proclaim you an Eclipse ranger! Rise and salute me, ranger!"
Every person in attendance cheers for the new defender of their city. As Toross rises to his feet the current rangers stamp our weapons to the stone floor in salute, clanking over even the applause. Toross returns our salute.
I am your demise, I am the voice of the wronged, I am the exemplar of vengeance! I am truly sorry Caresson. But you must die for my vengeance to be realized.